The Pcinja District, located in the southernmost part of Serbia, covers an area of 3,520 square kilometers, which represents approximately 3.98% of the country's total landmass. Pcinjski okrug contributes to the state borders with Bulgaria to the east, Macedonia and Albania to the south, and Kosovo and Metohija to the west.[4] Vranje, the capital city of Pcinja District, is in the region's central-western part. The city tends to be visited for its historical and cultural landmarks. Furthermore, it serves as the economic, political, and cultural hub of the Pcinja District in Southern Serbia. In 2019, it became the first city in the Balkans to attain UNESCO's recognition as a City of Music.[1] Apart from the capital city, people seeking cultural monuments can venture to the southern part of the district, where the Saint Prohor of Pcinja Monastery is located. The monastery is known as one of the local historical spots, dating approximately 950 years back.[8] Concerning Pcinjski Okrug's natural attractions, Vlasina Lake extends across 16 square kilometers in the northeastern part of the region. The lake is known for the floating islands formed by moss. Additionally, Vlasina is surrounded by several mountains and hills, providing opportunities for visitors to explore the area.[5]
Vranje, located in southern Serbia, has been a crossroads for travelers, conquerors, and history enthusiasts throughout its history. The city is known for its blend of sevdah and cocek music, dance, and songs, as the city's songs are recognized as Serbia's intangible cultural heritage.
With 422 years under Ottoman rule, Vranje has preserved its customs and traditions, passed down from generation to generation. The historical city center of Vranje features cobbled streets, old houses, and remnants of Ottoman architecture. The White Bridge, also known as the Bridge of Love, is one of the city's symbols. Pašin Konak, now the National Museum, reflects Islamic architecture within the city.
The Turkish bath or hamam, dating back to the sixteenth century, is another architectural destination for tourists visiting the city. Furthermore, travelers can venture to Markovo Kale, which is an ancient fortress, or to the Vranjska river canyon with its natural features.[7]
Vlasina Lake, located in the northeastern corner of Pcinjski District is one of the destinations for people seeking natural heritage. Vlasina Lake encompasses approximately 12 kilometers in length with a maximum width of 3.5 kilometers. The Vlasina River, known for its clear waters, feeds into the lake.
The lake is particularly known for its floating islands formed by moss and peat. Vlasina Lake is encircled by towering mountains such as Cemernik, Vardenik, Besna Kobila, and Gramada, reaching heights of up to 1,800 meters above sea level. Beyond the local nature and various hiking and walking trails in the surrounding area, Vlasina Lake is also home to several cultural landmarks, including the Palja Monastery, the Church in Bozica, Etno-farm "The Eight Day" in Izvor, Klisura, Crna Trava, and the Klisura Tower.[5]
Saint Prohor of Pcinja Monastery is one of the local destinations with a history spanning 950 years. Nestled on the border with the Republic of Macedonia, this sanctuary is surrounded by the slopes of Kozjak and Rujan Mountains, overlooking the Pčinja River, just 30 kilometers south of Vranje near the village of Klenike.
This spiritual haven is dedicated to Saint Prohor (Prochorus), a South Slav saint who lived as a hermit for over six decades in the secluded Nagoricano-Osogovo Mountains. His relics have reportedly performed healings for centuries, a testament to his revered status. Despite enduring numerous adversities, the Monastery of Saint Prohor of Pcinja still stands, encompassing six domes and a bell tower. The monastic complex also includes "the King Peter the Liberator's Dormitory and the Vranjski Konak Dormitory," a tourist-congress center with accommodations for up to 100 guests. The landscapes surrounding the monastery encompass meadows, forests, and the Pčinja River.
Visitors can explore nearby landmarks including the Saint Stephen and Saint Panteleimon Monasteries, the Ascension of the Virgin Church in Mrtvica village, and the Zebrnjak Monument, a memorial for Serbian soldiers. Outdoor enthusiasts can engage in hiking, cycling, and fishing, among other activities.[8]
The Pcinja district is situated in the southernmost part of the Republic of Serbia, covering an area of 3,520 square kilometers, which constitutes approximately 3.98% of the country's total territory. It shares its borders with Bulgaria to the east, Macedonia and Albania to the south, Kosovo and Metohija to the west and the Jablanica district to the north.
This district comprises seven municipalities: Vranje, Bujanovac, Bosilegrad, Preševo, Trgoviste, Vladičin Han, and Surdulica. The municipalities vary in size, with Preševo being the smallest and Vranje the largest, representing 860 square kilometers.
The region's relief, spatial layout, demographic patterns, and infrastructure contribute to a population density of 64.97 inhabitants per square kilometer, which is lower than the national average of 83.18 people per square kilometer.
The Pcinja District experiences a moderately continental climate with certain unique characteristics.[4]
In the northeastern part of the country is located the Vlasina Lake. This protected area is enveloped by the Besna Kobila, Gramada, and Cemernik Mountains, featuring rocks older than 400 million years.
At an altitude of 1,213 meters, Vlasina Lake spans 16 square kilometers, making it Serbia's largest and highest artificial lake. Its waters vary from grey-blue near the coast to dark blue in the center, surrounded by greenery.
One of the lake's features is its floating islands, formed by moss and peat from the lake bottom. The region around the lake features birch, juniper, pine, and beech forests, concealing a diverse range of rare and endemic plant and animal species. Over 400 mountain springs provide ice-cold potable water, while the area is rich in forest products, including blueberries, wild strawberries, rose hips, basil, and other plants.
The natural landscape of Vlasina is home to the Vlasina River, considered one of Serbia's clearest rivers. In the vicinity of the lake are several cultural monuments and ethnographic values that tend to attract tourists. Moreover, during winter, Vlasina Lake freezes, offering opportunities for ice skating, sledding, and winter walks.[5]
Concerning the local weather, in Vranje, the months of May, June, and September typically offer favorable weather conditions with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C.
Previously recorded weather data indicates that August tends to be the warmest month, with an average maximum temperature of 29°C.
On the contrary, January is deemed the coldest month, as an average maximum temperature of 5°C is typical during this month.
When it comes to precipitation, April ranks as the wettest month, recording 84 millimeters of rainfall, while August holds the title of the driest month, with 43 millimeters of precipitation.[6]
Vranje, the capital city of Pcinjski Okrug—located in the West Morava Valley—was once conquered by the Romans circa the first and second centuries BC and was part of Moesia Superior and Dardania. However, Roman fortresses in the region were abandoned after Hun attacks from 539 to 544 AD. During the Middle Ages, from the 9th to the 11th centuries, the area was part of Bulgaria.
The first recorded mention of Vranje is found in the Byzantine chronicle Alexiad by Anna Comnena, stating that Serbian ruler Vukan briefly conquered Vranje in 1093 but was forced to retreat from the Byzantines. In 1193, Serbian Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja temporarily took Vranje from the Byzantines, and it definitively became part of the Serbian state in 1207 when Grand Prince Stefan Nemanjić conquered it. Vranje had various rulers and governors throughout its history.[1]
The Turks later conquered Vranje in 1455, and it remained under their control for over four centuries until it was liberated by the Serbian army on January 31, 1878. During Turkish rule, Vranje developed, attracting Turkish settlers who built mosques, inns, and hammams. The town's merchants were fluent in Arabic and Turkish, facilitating cross-border trade.
With slightly more than 8,000 inhabitants, Vranje "welcomed freedom in the Principality of Serbia." By the early 20th century, its population had grown to about 12,000 people. As a border town of the Principality/Kingdom of Serbia, it served as a launching point for Chetniks during the Balkan Wars. During both World Wars, Vranje and the region were targeted by invaders, including Bulgarian forces. In the First World War, the Bulgarians occupied Vranje in 1915, resulting in significant casualties. During the Second World War, the city was initially taken by the Germans and later handed over to Bulgarian fascists, resulting in numerous deaths and internments.[2]
Concerning recent history, in 2001, there were uprisings led by Albanians in the predominantly Pcinja District's municipalities of Preševo and Bujanovac. Furthermore, in 2006, reports surfaced indicating that the municipality of Trgovište, despite having a majority Serb population, had contemplated the possibility of seceding from North Macedonia. The motivation behind this move was primarily attributed to economic difficulties and a decreasing population, which residents saw as grievances against the Serbian government.[3]
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